Kevin Willis

News Director

Kevin is the News Director at WKU Public Radio. He has been with the station since 1999, and was previously the Assistant News Director, and also served as local host of Morning Edition. He is a broadcast journalism graduate of WKU, and has won numerous awards for his reporting and feature production. Kevin grew up in Radcliff, Kentucky and currently lives in Glasgow.

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Glasgow, Ky – Shoppers at a Glasgow farmer's market have an unusual meat option: locally raised buffalo. Kim and Bev Braun run Buffalo Nickel Ranch, their 20 acre farm in Glasgow. Currently home to 26 bison, the ranch provides several cuts of buffalo meat, which is popular with some consumers because it's much healthier than beef. Kevin Willis visited the Barren County buffalo ranch, and brings us this report.

Bowling Green, Ky – In the second of our two-part series of reports, we take a ride with Bowling Green Police Sgt. Matt Edwards, who patrols some of the city's most ethnically diverse neighborhoods. Sgt. Edwards tells us how he tries to build trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities who are often suspicious of the police. He says a technique known as "community policing" plays a major role in the effort.

Bowling Green, Ky – The Bowling Green Police Department faces considerable challenges in reaching out to the city's many immigrant communities. Bowling Green has a growing Hispanic population, as well as recent arrivals from Bosnia, Albania, Vietnam, Burma, Liberia, Iraq, and Burundi. Many of these immigrants are naturally suspicious of engaging with law enforcement. In this report, we hear from BGPD Chief Doug Hawkins and Officer Monica Woods, International Communities Liaison.

Summer Shade, Ky – At Dry Branch Farm in Monroe County, Lane Linnenkohl is hard at work preparing his sustainably-raised produce and livestock ahead of the summer growing season. But he's not alone. Andy McPhearson, a 26 year old from New Orleans, is interning at the Summer Shade farm through an apprenticeship program that pairs up-and-coming farmers with those who practice sustainable agriculture. Kevin Willis visited the farm and has our story.

Bowling Green, Ky – Title IX is the landmark 1972 law that prohibits gender-discrimination in any federally supported education program or activity. You probably have heard about the law's impact on collegiate athletics. Universities recently learned of changes in how they can be Title IX compliant. Kevin Willis recently discussed the changes with WKU Attorney Deborah Wilkins, and WKU Professor Aaron Hughey, with the Department of Counseling and Student Affairs.

Mint julep: Put 12 mint leaves in a glass, and add 3/4 oz. of syrup. Muddle gently, without tearing the leaves. While that sits, crush ice with a mallet. Add ice to glass, then pour in 2 1/4 oz. of bourbon. Add more ice to fill glass to the top. Pour in 1/4 oz more of the syrup on top of the ice, then garnish drink with mint. Add one sma

Louisville, Ky – The mint julep stands proud as the beverage known as Kentucky's signature drink. Unless you're new to the area and haven't been paying attention, you know the julep is synonymous with the Kentucky Derby. What you might not know, however, is that the mint julep's history traces back to a rose water drink in the Middle East. Kevin Willis recently visited the famous Seelbach Hotel in Louisville to learn the history and proper preparation of the famous drink.

Bowling Green, KY – An Owensboro program is getting kids and parents active and educated in an effort to battle childhood obesity. The Power Up Kidz effort at Owensboro Medical Health System brings adults and children together, teachers them about healthy cooking and portion control, and gets them physically active. In this report, Kevin Willis brings us the story of some of those involved in the effort.

Owensboro, Ky – For the second time since a massive earthquake hit Haiti in January, Dr. Philip Hurley of Owensboro is heading on a medical mission. Hurley is an orthopedic surgeon who is volunteering his time to help the countless victims of the quake. On his first trip, Dr. Hurley performed numerous operations, including many amputations. He's expecting more of the same this trip. He spoke with Kevin Willis from his Daviess County office.

Owensboro, Ky – In Owensboro, an alcohol and drug rehabilitation center is taking an unusual approach in helping addicts get clean. The Owensboro Regional Recovery center doesn't employ doctors, nurses, or professional counselors. Instead, former addicts serve as peer mentors for residents. The Daviess County facility targets male addicts who are homeless. Kevin Willis recently visited the center and has our report.